Sharjah Celebrates Cultural Milestone as First Arab Guest of Honour at Warsaw International Book Fair 2026

Sharjah has officially inaugurated its participation as the first Arab Guest of Honour at the Warsaw International Book Fair, marking a significant moment in cultural exchange. The event, held at the National Stadium in Warsaw, features Her Highness Sheikha Bodour bint Sultan Al Qasimi, Chairperson of the Sharjah Book Authority (SBA), who emphasized the importance of language as a vessel for memory, identity, and continuity.

Official Opening

The opening ceremony on Thursday was attended by notable figures including Włodzimierz Czarzasty, Marshal of the Sejm of the Republic of Poland; Marta Cienkowska, Poland’s Minister of Culture and National Heritage; Dorota Malinowska-Grupińska, Chairwoman of the Warsaw City Council; and Małgorzata Kidawa-Błońska, Marshal of the Polish Senate. The fair will run until May 31.

Sheikha Bodour conveyed the greetings of His Highness Sheikh Dr. Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, the Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Sharjah, expressing wishes for the fair’s success. She highlighted His Highness’s lifelong commitment to culture, stating that books foster dialogues that enable civilizations to connect with dignity and depth.

Cultural Significance

Sheikha Bodour articulated that Sharjah takes pride in being the Guest of Honour in a nation that values language as a cornerstone of identity. She described Warsaw as a city enriched by history and culture, emphasizing that culture not only endures through time but possesses the transformative power to shape it.

The Sheikha noted the shared literary heritage between Arab and Polish cultures, underscoring the role of poetry in expressing societal values and memory across generations. She stated that the theme of Sharjah’s participation, “Two Civilisations. One Language of Letters,” celebrates diversity and promotes understanding through patience, curiosity, and empathy.

In her closing remarks, Sheikha Bodour extended an invitation for mutual exploration and understanding, hoping that the fair would ignite a dialogue that persists beyond its conclusion, strengthening ties between Warsaw and Sharjah.

Remarks from Polish Officials

Włodzimierz Czarzasty remarked on the cultural honor of hosting Sharjah as the Guest of Honour, describing the emirate’s involvement as a valuable contribution to the growing cultural relationship between Poland and the UAE. He emphasized the role of books in fostering understanding and dialogue among cultures.

Marta Cienkowska expressed gratitude to Sheikha Bodour for her remarks, commending Sharjah’s appreciation for Polish culture. She highlighted the importance of cultural exchange in promoting dialogue and understanding, noting that the Warsaw International Book Fair serves as a vital platform for connecting readers, writers, and publishers.

Dorota Malinowska-Grupińska stated that Sharjah’s participation underscores the significance of books in fostering cultural dialogue and mutual understanding. She emphasized that books are not merely cultural products but also facilitate human connection and exchange.

Jacek Oryl, Director of the Warsaw International Book Fair, stated that Sharjah’s selection as Guest of Honour is a historic milestone, reflecting the strengthening cultural ties between Poland and the UAE. He noted that the emirate’s participation provides insights into Arab and Emirati culture through literature and the arts.

Sharjah Pavilion Tour

Sheikha Bodour led an official tour of the Sharjah pavilion, accompanied by H.E. Ahmed bin Rakkad Al Ameri, CEO of SBA, and distinguished guests including H.E. Mohamed Ahmed Al Harbi, UAE Ambassador to Poland; Dr. Tomasz Makowski, Director of the National Library of Poland; and Grzegorz Jankowicz, Director of the Polish Book Institute. The tour showcased key initiatives and programs that reflect Sharjah’s cultural project, featuring works from Emirati publishers and various cultural activities.

IKAR Publishing Season Awards

The inaugural day of the fair also featured the IKAR Publishing Season Awards ceremony. This year’s Ikar Award was presented to Polish author Professor Stefan Chwin for his literary and humanitarian contributions. Other honorees included Piotr Dobrołęcki, who received the Author award, and Wydawnictwo Czarne, awarded for its role in enriching Poland’s publishing industry. The Bookstore award went to Księgarnia Artystyczna Firmin w Gdańsku for promoting reading culture in the community.

Two Civilisations. One Language of Letters.

The Warsaw International Book Fair is hosting over 1,200 cultural and professional events, solidifying its status as a leading cultural platform in Central Europe. Sharjah’s participation exemplifies a model for Arab cultural engagement, focusing on dialogue and connection through literature and the arts.

Over four days, Sharjah is showcasing its cultural diversity in a 400-square-meter pavilion, featuring 21 cultural, academic, and media institutions, along with 36 Emirati writers, poets, and artists. The program emphasizes direct dialogue between Arab and Polish cultural experiences, placing books at the forefront of this exchange.

Sharjah’s participation includes 35 cultural events, such as 28 panel discussions, four poetry evenings, and three children’s workshops. These activities are taking place across various venues, including the University of Warsaw and the Grochoteka Public Library, complemented by 18 musical performances by the Sharjah National Band at the Warsaw National Theatre.

Dialogue Through Letters and Art

A key initiative within the program, Tasawurat (“Visions”), brings together ten artists and designers from the UAE and Poland to create works inspired by Arabic and Polish poetry. This project explores themes of humanity, nature, and existential reflection, merging elements of Arabic poetic tradition with Poland’s visual culture.

The Sharjah pavilion features a variety of cultural and academic institutions, including Al Qasimi Publications, the Arabic Language Academy in Sharjah, and the University of Sharjah, among others. Additional participants include the UAE Board on Books for Young People, Kalimat Group, and the Emirates Writers Union.

As reported by www.emirates247.com.

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Published on 2026-05-29 19:37:00 • By FAME Delivered News Desk